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Abstract:

A system for communicating status information associated with a device
has an interface panel. The interface panel has a bezel extending
substantially around a perimeter thereof. The interface panel is
configured to interface with the device. The interface panel has a light
device disposed substantially around a perimeter of the bezel. The light
device is configured to illuminate the bezel. The system has a light
controller coupled to the light device. The light controller is
configured to control light output of the light device to indicate a
status of the device.

Claims:

1. A system for communicating status information associated with a
device, the system comprising: an interface panel having a bezel
extending substantially around a perimeter thereof, the interface panel
configured to interface with the device; a light device disposed
substantially around a perimeter of the bezel, the light device
configured to illuminate the bezel; and a light controller coupled to the
light device, the light controller configured to control light output of
the light device to indicate a status of the device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the light output of the light device
comprises at least one of a color of light and a light flash frequency.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light controller is further
configured to control the light device to generate a first color light to
indicate a first status of the mechanical device and a second color light
to indicate a second status of the mechanical device.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the light controller is further
configured to control the light device to flash the light at a first
frequency to indicate a first status of the mechanical device and to
flash the light at a second frequency to indicate a second status of the
mechanical device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light device comprises: a light
source configured to generate the light; and a light tube coupled to the
light source and configured to distribute the light.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the light source comprises at least one
LED.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the light controller is configurable to
control the light device according to a user defined preference.

8. An interface panel for indicating a status of a device comprising: a
bezel extending substantially around a perimeter of the interface panel;
a light device disposed substantially around a perimeter of the bezel and
configured to generate a light; and a light controller coupled to the
light device and configured to control the light output of the light
device to indicate a status of the device.

9. The interface panel of claim 8, wherein the light output of the light
device comprises at least one of a color of light and a light flash
frequency.

10. The interface panel of claim 9, wherein the light controller is
further configured to control the light device to generate a first color
light to indicate a first status of the mechanical device and a second
color light to indicate a second status of the mechanical device.

11. The interface panel of claim 9, wherein the light controller is
further configured to control the light device to flash the light at a
first frequency to indicate a first status of the mechanical device and
to flash the light at a second frequency to indicate a second status of
the mechanical device.

12. The interface panel of claim 8, wherein the light device comprises: a
light source configured to generate the light; and a light tube coupled
to the light source, and configured to distribute the light.

13. The interface panel of claim 12, wherein the light source comprises
at least one LED.

14. The interface panel of claim 8, wherein the light controller is
configurable to control the light device according to a user defined
preference.

15. A method for communicating status information associated with a
device, the method comprising the steps of: a computer receiving a
notification to communicate a status of the device; the computer
determining at least one parameter, based on the status, for illuminating
a light device disposed substantially around a perimeter of an interface
panel; and the computer controlling a light output of the light device,
according to the at least one parameter, to indicate a status of the
device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one parameter is color.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one parameter is flash
frequency.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the status is a system error.

Description:

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to interface panels and more
particularly to communicating status information associated with a device
via an illuminated bezel of an interface panel.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Interface panels are used in a variety of industries and
applications for controlling various mechanical devices and software
applications. Interface panels have buttons and other types of controls
for receiving input from a user as well as LEDs for conveying information
to a user. In certain applications, such as in an industrial power
application, interface panels may be combined to form a larger control
center.

[0003] The LEDs consume valuable space on the interface panel, however,
which could be otherwise used for additional interface buttons and other
types of controls. In addition, in applications where several interface
panels are combined to form a larger control center, it may be difficult
to distinguish a message being communicated via a first interface panel
from a message being communicated via a second interface panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In a system for communicating status information associated with a
device, an interface panel has a bezel extending substantially around a
perimeter thereof. The interface panel is configured to interface with
the device. The interface panel has a light device disposed substantially
around a perimeter of the bezel. The light device is configured to
illuminate the bezel. The system has a light controller coupled to the
light device. The light controller is configured to control light output
of the light device to indicate a status of the device

[0005] In an interface panel for communicating a status of a device, a
bezel extends substantially around a perimeter of the interface panel. A
light device is disposed substantially around a perimeter of the bezel.
The light device is configured to illuminate the bezel. A light
controller is coupled to the light device. The light controller is
configured to control light output of the device to indicate a status of
the device.

[0006] In a method for communicating status information associated with a
device, a computer receives a notification to communicate a status of the
device. The computer determines at least one parameter, based on the
status, for illuminating a light device disposed substantially around a
perimeter of an interface panel. The computer controls a light output of
the light device, according to the at least one parameter, to indicate a
status of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that,
together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary
embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown
as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and
elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single
component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain
elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an example system, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example interface panel, according to
one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for
communicating status information associated with a device via an
illuminated bezel of a panel, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example computer system for
implementing the functionality of a light controller, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an example interface panel 102
according to one embodiment of the present invention. Interface panel 102
enables a user to control a software application or a mechanical device.
For example, interface panel 102 may be used in an industrial setting for
controlling an industrial motor. In an example embodiment, multiple
interface panels 102 may be combined to form a larger control panel for
controlling one or more software applications or mechanical devices.
Interface panel 102 may include various types of buttons and switches and
other controls for receiving input from a user. In addition, the
interface panel 102 may include LEDs and other types of light displays
for communicating messages to the user, on the front face (not shown) of
interface panel 102.

[0013] Interface panel 102 has a bezel 104 extending substantially around
the perimeter of interface panel 102. Bezel 104 has a channel 114 or a
groove configured in size and shape so as to receive light device 108
which extends substantially around the perimeter of interface panel 102.
In an alternative embodiment (not shown), bezel 104 and light device 108
may extend around a substantial portion of interface panel 102. For
example, bezel 104 and light device 108 may extend across the top of
interface panel 102 and along each side of interface panel 102. After
channel 114 receives light device 108 during assembly, light device 108
becomes integrated with interface panel 102. Light device 108 may be
secured in place within bezel 104 by an adhesive, for example.
Alternatively, light device 108 may be secured in place within bezel 104
mechanically, such as through an interference fit.

[0014] Light device 108 is configured to transport the light around the
perimeter of interface panel 102, throughout the length of light device
108. In an example embodiment, light device 108 is configured in such a
way that as the light is being transported around interface panel 102,
the light is being evenly distributed throughout light device 108 in
order to evenly illuminate the perimeter of interface panel 102.

[0015] In an example embodiment, light device 108 comprises a light source
106 configured to generate the light and a light tube 112 coupled to
light source 106 and configured to distribute the light. Light source 106
can be an LED, or a plurality of LEDs, for example. In an example
embodiment, light source 106 is configured to deliver a single color of
light. In an example embodiment, light source 106 is configured to
deliver multiple colors of light, either simultaneously or independently.

[0016] In an example embodiment, light device 108 comprises a
rectangular-shaped fluorescent light. It should be understood that,
although light device 108 has been described with reference to various
example embodiments, light device may comprise other similar embodiments
capable of illuminating bezel 104.

[0017] Interface controller 102 also includes a light controller 110 that
is coupled to light device 108. Light controller 110 is configured to
control light device 108 to indicate a status of the mechanical device.
In other words, a user is able to interpret a light output being
delivered around the perimeter of interface panel 102 to be a status of a
mechanical device. Light controller 110 is configurable to control light
device 108 according to a user defined preference.

[0018] In an example embodiment, light controller 110 is configured to
control light device 108 to generate a first color light to indicate a
first status of a mechanical device and a second color light to indicate
a second status of the mechanical device. For example, light controller
110 may control light device 108 to generate a green color light to
indicate that an associated mechanical device is operating properly.
Similarly, light controller 110 may control light device 108 to generate
a red color light to indicate that the associated mechanical device is
operating in an error or fault state and that the associated mechanical
device may need to be serviced or may require other operator attention.
It should be understood that, although light controller 110 has been
described as being configured to control light device 108 to generate two
different colors of light to indicate two different statuses of an
associated mechanical device, light controller 110 may also be configured
to control light device to generate three of more different colors of
light to indicate three or more statuses of the associated mechanical
device.

[0019] In an example embodiment, light controller 110 may be configured to
set light device 108 to flash on and off repeatedly rather then
generating a continuous light. In an example embodiment, light controller
110 may be configured to control the frequency at which light device 108
flashes. In other words, light controller 110 may control light device
108 to flash at a first frequency to indicate a first status of a
mechanical device and to flash at a second frequency to indicate a second
status of the mechanical device. For example, light controller 110 may
control light device 108 to flash at 60 Hz when an associated mechanical
device has a potential problem that may require future attention while
light controller 110 may control light device 106 to flash at 120 Hz when
an associated mechanical device has a severe problem that may require
immediate attention.

[0020] In an example embodiment, light controller 110 may be configured to
control light device 108 in order to accommodate various international
standards. For example, a flashing color may indicate a first status
according to a first country's standard, while the same flashing color
may indicate a second status according to a second country's standard.
Thus, depending on which country light controller 110 is configured to
operate in, light controller 110 may adjust the light color generated by
light device 108 for a given message.

[0021] In an example embodiment, light controller 110 may be configurable
by a user or a systems administrator to control light device 108
according to user defined parameters. For example, a user may define a
certain color scheme which that user prefers. Accordingly, light
controller 110 may be configured to control light device 108 according to
the user's preferences.

[0022] It an example embodiment, light controller 110 can be implemented
as a microcontroller or other similar computing device embedded in
interface panel 102. In such an embodiment, a user or a systems
administrator may configure light controller 110 by interfacing with
light controller 110 via an external computing device such as a personal
computer. An external computer may interface with light controller 110
via a USB port, or other similar type of interface port. Alternatively,
an external computer may interface with light controller 110 via a
wireless protocol such as radio frequency or 802.11, for example.

[0023] In an example embodiment, light controller 110 may be external (not
shown) to interface panel 102. For example, light controller 110 may be a
desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet
computer, a server, or other similar type of computing device capable of
providing instructions to, and controlling, light device 108. In such an
embodiment, a user or a systems administrator may configure light
controller 110 by interacting with light controller 110 directly, via
user interface peripherals such a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example interface panel 202 having a
light device 204 substantially surrounding the perimeter of interface
panel 202. Interface panel 202 has a plurality of buttons 206a-e for
controlling various functions of an associated mechanical device or
software application. Interface panel 202 also has a plurality of LEDs
208a-c for communicating information to a user. It should be understood
that, although interface panel 202 has been described as having a
specific number of buttons and LEDs, interface panel 202 may have any
number and combination of buttons and LEDs. For example, interface panel
202 may comprise only buttons. In another example, interface panel 202
may comprise switches and other similar types of controls for controlling
an associated mechanical device or software application.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for
communicating status information associated with a device via an
illuminated bezel of a panel. At step 302, light controller 110 receives
a notification to communicate a status. The notification may come from an
associated mechanical device or it may come from a software application
or system. The notification may be an error or some other type of
warning. Alternatively, the notification may be sent to simply inform a
user of a current status or condition of a mechanical device.

[0026] At step 304, light controller 110 determines at least one
parameter, based on the status, for illuminating light device 108
disposed at least substantially around the perimeter of interface panel
102. In an example embodiment, light controller 110 may determine
multiple parameters for generating the light. Parameters for generating a
light may include a color, a flash frequency, or another similar type of
parameter for defining how light device 108 is illuminated. Light
controller 110 may determine the parameter(s) by cross referencing the
received status notification with a parameters database (not shown)
stored in light controller's 110 internal memory. A status to be
communicated may be pre-associated with specific parameters in a
parameters database based on user preference or based on country specific
standards, for example. For example, an error message may be
pre-associated with the color red and with a flash frequency of 120 Hz in
the parameters database, while a maintenance warning message may be
associated with the color yellow and with a flash frequency of 60 Hz in
the parameters database. Thus, light controller 110 may be configured to
control light device 108 to operate according to a user preference by
configuring the parameters database.

[0027] At step 306, light controller 110 controls light device 108 to
illuminate bezel 104 of interface panel 102, according to the at least
one determine parameter, to indicate the status of the mechanical device.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example computer system 400 for
implementing the functionality of light controller 110. Computer system
400 is intended to represent various forms of digital computers,
including laptops, desktops, handheld computers, tablet computers,
servers, and other similar types of computing devices. Computer system
400 includes a processor 402, memory 404, a storage device 406, and a
communication port 422, connected by an interface 408 via a bus 410.

[0029] Processor 402 processes instructions, via memory 404, for execution
within computer system 400. In an example embodiment, multiple processors
along with multiple memories may be used. In an example embodiment,
multiple computer systems 400 may be connected, with each device
providing portions of the necessary operations.

[0030] Memory 404 may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory
404 may be a computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic disk or optical
disk. Storage device 406 may be a computer-readable medium, such as
floppy disk devices, a hard disk device, and optical disk device, a tape
device, a flash memory, or other similar solid state memory device, or an
array of devices, including devices in a storage area network of other
configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied in a
computer readable medium such as memory 404 or storage device 406.

[0031] Computer system 400 can be coupled to one or more input and output
devices such as a display 414, a scanner 418, a printer 416, and a mouse
420.

[0032] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in
the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a
manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when
employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A
or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but
not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed.
Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive
use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d.
Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in
the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on"
or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the
specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly
connected to," but also "indirectly connected to" such as connected
through another component or components.

[0033] Some portions of the detailed descriptions are presented in terms
of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits
within a memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are
the means used by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of
their work to others. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to
be a sequence of operations that produce a result. The operations may
include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though
not necessarily, the physical quantities take the form of electrical or
magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared, and otherwise manipulated in a logic and the like.

[0034] It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of
common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in
mind, however, that these and similar terms are to be associated with the
appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied
to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, it is
appreciated that throughout the description, terms like processing,
computing, calculating, determining, displaying, or the like, refer to
actions and processes of a computer system, logic, processor, or similar
electronic device that manipulates and transforms data represented as
physical (electronic) quantities.

[0035] While the present application has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been
described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the
applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended
claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will
readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application,
in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the
representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive
concept.